Domestic Violence In Partnership Essay

Domestic Violence in Partnerships Domestic violence is a topic that deserves our attention. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence from an intimate partner. (NCADV) Domestic violence affects many different men and women in relationships. Domestic violence and abuse in partnerships is a well known social issue that is known to cause mental health issues like PTSD and depression, trust issues in future relationships and with yourself, and domestic abuse victims are more likely to let the cycle of abuse continue. About 5 in 100 adults or 5% in the US has PTSD in any given year. (National Center for PTSD) PTSD is a mental disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing

Trust issues can come from trauma, insecurities, and betrayals. Trust issues can make anyone’s life difficult at times. According to Baker, “one of the hardest things about emotional abuse… is that the campaign of blame, undermining, criticism and gaslighting causes you to lose trust in your ownself” (Baker) these manipulative tactics all can contribute to the victim losing trust in the relationship can cause the most trust issues because the abuser targets the victim’s emotion s and insecurities. Ultimately insecurities and high emotions can cause a victim to spiral mentally. Risser describes that one feels they have to look over their shoulder or walk on eggshells, “trust issues can cause you to feel suspicious, to doubt others, and even isolate yourself.” (Risser) Being suspicious or even doubting oneself can lead to further abuse and the abuse can become more violent, “you might have volatile, unstable relationships, pick fights, or accuse others of dishonesty or betrayal. You might spend a lot of time worrying, or even obsessing about what others are up to.” (Risser) Due to both the abuser and victim dealing with high emotional levels and stress levels, there can be spikes in arguments, and the relationships become more volatile as the level of trust gets

“The cycle of abuse is a four-stage cycle used to describe the way abuse sometimes occurs in relationships. The stages-tension, incidence, reconciliation, and calm- repeat themselves over and over again if the abuse follows that pattern.” (Bottaro) The tension state is shown in a relationship by increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and frustration between the couple and even with outside relationships. In the incident stage, there is usually a form of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. In the reconciliation stage, there are apologies and promises to change and eventually, the victim forgives the abuser. Then in the calm stage is the peace period and the calm to the storm in an abusive relationship. Finally, there is the repetition of the cycle and the couple starts in the tension stage again. Unfortunately, until the cycle is broken it will continue to repeat